1998/03/19 Senior Citizens Advisory Commission Minutes • CITY OF ROHNERT PARK
SENIOR CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMISSION MINUTES
March 19, 1998
The Senior Citizens Advisory Commission of the City of Rohnert Park met this
date in regular session commencing at 1:02 p.m. at the Senior Center, 6800 Hunter
Drive, Suite A, Rohnert Park, with Vice Chair Kennedy presiding.
Call to Order Vice Chair Kennedy called the regular session to order at approximately 1:02 p.m.
and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll Call Present: (4) Commissioners Brubaker, Johnson, Jurgiel, and Kennedy
Absent: (0)
Staff present for all or part of the meeting: Recreation Supervisor, Mary Hanlon;
Program Specialist - Senior Programs, Wendy Audiss; Senior Program Assistant,
Vicki Wilkerson; Interim Recreation Director, Ron Mikalis; City Manager, Joseph
Netter; Public Works Manager, Bill Stephens; and Councilmember, Linda Spiro.
• Moment of Silence A moment of silence was held for John Chase, Senior Advisory Commissioner,
who recently passed away.
Approval of
Minutes Commissioner Brubaker moved the minutes of January 15th be approved.
Commissioner Johnson seconded the motion which was unanimously approved.
Acknowledging
Posting of
the Agenda Vice Chair Kennedy acknowledged that the Secretary/Supervisor had posted the
Agenda as required by law in three (3) public locations within the time period
required.
Oath of Office Recreation Supervisor Hanlon administered the Oath of Office to Commissioner
Kennedy.
John Chase
Dedication City Councilmember Spiro read a proclamation that acknowledged and thanked
John Chase for his community service and his involvement as a Senior Advisory
Commissioner. Joe Netter, City Manager, reiterated some of his remembrances
and comments that he made at John's service. He was a true "gentleman."
Program Specialist Audiss showed everyone the plaque that was made in
remembrance of John which will be hung in the lobby of the Senior Center. There
Page - 1
Senior Citizens Advisory Commission Minutes - March 19, 1998
will also be an engraved brick placed at the Robert's Lake Memorial in John's
honor, Lee, John's wife, thanked everyone for their kind words.
Unscheduled Public
Appearances Public Works Manager Bill Stephens thanked Hazel Brubaker for participating in
the recent Street Beat telecast. He gave an update of Leanne White's condition
and said she was expected to return to work in four to six weeks.
Van Dedication Recreation Supervisor Hanlon talked about the recent van purchase for the Senior
Center and how some of the vans have been given names. Program Specialist
Audiss then announced that this new van was being named the "Ann Van" in honor
of volunteer driver Ann Kennedy. Ann was the first Sunshine Bus driver for the
city and has driven for many events for the Senior Center. Her picture was taken
and she was presented with flowers.
Age Limit for
Commissioners The Commission discussed how they felt about lowering the age requirement for
commissioners from 60 to 50 or 55. There have been some applicants for the
recent vacancy, but they have been younger than the required age of 60. All the
commissioners felt that the age minimum should remain 60.
• Scheduled Public
Appearances None
City Council
Liaison Report Councilmember Linda Spiro noted that the Commission's service area also includes
seniors from Cotati and Penngrove. Discussion followed regarding amending the
Resolution for Creating the Rohnert Park Senior Citizens Advisory Commission to
include seniors from these cities and that they could also serve as commissioners.
Commissioner Jurgiel made a motion to amend the resolution to include that
members of the Senior Advisory Commission may also be from Cotati and
Penngrove. Commissioner Kennedy seconded the motion and it was unanimously
approved.
Communications Commissioner Brubaker gave the commissioners a survey from the Sonoma
County Human Rights Commission. There were asked to complete and return it
to her.
Recreation Specialist
Report Program Specialist Audiss reported that the Health and Safety Faire held on
February 21 had a good turnout and that one will be held next year. The Center
• will have its 7 1/2 year anniversary party on May 2. Step-Out for Senior Centers is
Page - 2
Senior Citizens Advisory Commission Minutes - March 19, 1998
scheduled for May 16. February attendance was 5,979. Fees collected were
$3,209.21. There were 139 passengers on the Sunshine Bus and 65 on excursions.
Matters from
Commissioners Commissioner Johnson said she would like to see a survey to determine how many
seniors are low-income. She also said that incidents of senior abuse are on the
rise. Recreation Supervisor Hanlon mentioned that Governor Wilson's proposed
budget includes more money for Adult Protective Services.
Commissioner Jurgiel thanked everyone for all the good wishes and phone calls
she received while she was in the hospital.
Recreation Supervisor
Report None
Meeting
Adjourned There being no further business to discuss and no one further desiring to be heard,
Commissioner Johnson made a motion for adjournment at 2 p.m. which was
seconded by Commissioner Jurgiel and unanimously approved.
Vice Chairman
ATTEST:
Mary Hanlon, Recreation Supervisor
S
Page - 3